The Hardest Hit Fund is a federal loan program established in 2010 that provides up to $12,000 over six months to unemployed or underemployed homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments. In Florida, only 12% of the program’s applicants have been approved. The No. 1 reason for not qualifying? Having an adequate job. Other disqualifying reasons include making too much money, being too late on mortgage payments or having a principal balance over $400,000.

Florida homeowners who applied
for money from the Hardest Hit Fund
(as of Jan. 6)